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Coldwater council approves new limits on right-of-way plantings after public debate
Summary
After public comment and council discussion about safety, native species and maintenance burdens, the Coldwater City Council adopted Ordinance 879 to regulate vegetation in public right-of-way, removing a proposed 2-foot setback from curbs after an amendment and a 5–4 roll-call vote.
Coldwater — The City Council on Jan. 12 voted to adopt Ordinance 879, a revision to chapter 6.90 that sets height, hydrant-clearance and maintenance standards for vegetation planted in the public right-of-way.
The measure, adopted after public comment and an extended council debate, keeps a three-foot maximum height for mature growth and a six-foot clearance around fire hydrants but was amended to remove a proposed two-foot setback from the curb and certain driveway setbacks. The ordinance passed the roll-call vote 5–4.
Why it mattered: Residents who have converted small curbside strips to native wildflowers and pollinator habitat warned the council the proposed changes could undercut neighborhood beautification efforts and discourage volunteer stewardship. "We have spent considerable expense hiring professional landscaping service to…
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